Scientists still do not fully understand the origins of volcanic lightning (such as this March 28, 2009, display at Alaska's Redoubt Volcano), said volcanologist Steve McNutt, who works with the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

When lightning does come, however, it seems to be there right from the start of eruption. "We see electrical activity right when the stuff is leaving the [volcano's] vent," he said.

Observation modules placed near Redoubt in January are expected to shed some light on how volcanic lightning originates and spreads throughout an ash cloud.